Source: CCTV.com

02-04-2008 09:23

A five-member team of Chinese experts held talks with their Japanese counterparts at the Japanese Cabinet Office over a food poising case involving Chinese-made frozen dumplings.

A fivemember team of Chinese experts held talks with  their Japanese counterparts at the Japanese Cabinet  Office over a food poising case involving Chinese-made  frozen dumplings.

Expert teams from both sides were expected to explore how mysteriously large amounts of the pesticide methamidophos got into the dumplings.

Japan has reported that at least 10 people been made sick pesticide in the Chinese-made dumplings. Japanese officials say they've found methamidophos in quantities that are way above safety levels.

The Chinese government has promised to actively cooperate with Japan in a joint investigation of the issue.

Liu Jianchao, Spokesman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "We need more details from the Japanese side. We express our concern for the Japanese patients of the food poisoning and hope they recover soon."

Following the poisoning outbreak, the Tian Yang Company suspended production and recalled all dumplings and other products on the way to Japan.

A full investigation has been carried out in China, but tests here found no harmful chemicals. And tests by Japanese authorities also showed the rest of the dumplings in the same batches were safe.

Cheng Fang, Director of Hebei Entry-Exit Inspection Quarantine Bureau said "We investigated samples of the dumplings exported to Japan, as well as dumplings produced within 11 days around October first and October 20th. No traces of the pesticide have been found."

China and Japan have agreed to refrain from announcing any conclusions before a thorough investigation and a full exchange of views.

Editor:Xiong Qu